Mid-Level Probate Litigation Associate

Mid-Level Probate Litigation Associate

About the Role:

A respected law firm is seeking a talented and motivated Probate Litigation Associate with 3 6 years of litigation experience to join its growing Trusts & Estates Litigation practice.

The successful candidate will represent fiduciaries, beneficiaries, heirs, family members, and other interested parties in complex probate, trust, guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary disputes throughout the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court system, as well as the Massachusetts Superior Court and Appeals Court when necessary.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking significant responsibility, direct client interaction, courtroom exposure, and sophisticated litigation experience involving complex and high-value fiduciary disputes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage probate, trust, fiduciary, guardianship, and conservatorship litigation matters from inception through resolution.
• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, petitions, discovery documents, and appellate briefs.
• Conduct legal research involving the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, trust law, fiduciary duties, guardianships, conservatorships, and related areas.
• Handle all phases of discovery, including written discovery, document review and production, depositions, and discovery motions.
• Prepare for and attend evidentiary hearings, motion hearings, status conferences, mediations, and trials.
• Develop litigation strategy in collaboration with partners and senior attorneys.
• Advise fiduciaries regarding estate and trust administration issues arising during contested proceedings.
• Analyze financial records, fiduciary accountings, trust documents, wills, estate assets, and valuation information.
• Work with accountants, valuation professionals, physicians, forensic specialists, and other experts.
• Negotiate settlements and participate in mediation and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Represent clients in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Superior Court, and appellate proceedings as appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case strategy, developments, and potential outcomes.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior associates and paralegals as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
• 3 6 years of litigation experience, preferably involving probate, trust, estate, or fiduciary disputes.
• Experience handling hearings, depositions, discovery, and motion practice.
• Strong knowledge of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court Rules and Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Experience drafting pleadings, motions, legal memoranda, discovery, and appellate briefs.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Experience arguing discovery or dispositive motions is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills with the ability to resolve complex disputes effectively.
• Experience analyzing financial records, fiduciary accountings, valuation issues, trust documents, wills, and estate assets.
• Familiarity with will contests, trust contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, undue influence, lack of capacity, fiduciary removal actions, guardianship, conservatorship, and financial exploitation matters is preferred.
• Experience handling trust interpretation, modification, termination, accounting actions, concealed asset discovery, or probate-related appeals is a plus.
• Ability to independently manage a litigation caseload while effectively prioritizing competing deadlines.
• Strong courtroom presence, sound judgment, and strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with clients involved in sensitive and emotionally charged family disputes.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with partners, associates, paralegals, experts, and other professionals.
• Strong commitment to professionalism, client service, and high-quality legal work.

Why Join Us:

• Handle sophisticated probate, trust, estate, and fiduciary litigation matters.
• Gain substantial courtroom, hearing, deposition, and motion practice experience.
• Work directly with clients on complex and high-value disputes.
• Collaborate closely with experienced attorneys and develop advanced litigation skills.
• Receive meaningful mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Work in a collaborative environment that values strategic thinking, advocacy, and exceptional client service.
• Take on increasing responsibility with opportunities to develop a long-term litigation practice.
• Potential partnership-track opportunities for qualified candidates.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development and ongoing legal training.
• Mentorship from experienced probate and trust litigation attorneys.
• Significant courtroom and client-facing opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Partnership-track opportunities for qualified candidates.